Sibling aggression is the most common form of family violence, yet it remains hidden, overlooked, or confused with sibling rivalry. Numerous studies have linked sibling aggression and abuse to worse mental and physical health and problematic interpersonal relationships with parents, peers, and romantic partners.
An adult who shared her story with us said:
"I thought hitting the people you love was completely normal."
SAARA is directed by Dr. Corinna Jenkins Tucker, a leading expert on sibling and parent-child relationship, and professor emerita of human development and family studies at UNH. Dr. David Finkelhor, founder and director of the CCRC, professor of sociology at UNH, and a leading expert on child maltreatment, serves as a consultant. Dr. Tanya Rouleau Whitworth, whose expertise focuses on sibling sexual abuse, works as a research scientist.
SAARA serves as a trustworthy source of expertise, scientific information, and training related to sibling rivalry, conflict, aggression, and all forms of sibling abuse.
At SAARA, we aim to change the perception that sibling aggression and abuse are not serious or forms of family violence. SAARA provides guidance about preventing and ending sibling aggression and abuse to promote positive family relationships and well-being across the lifespan.
Our Impact
- Our researchers have published numerous research papers in leading scientific journals, including Pediatrics and The American Journal of Public Health, establishing U.S. prevalence rates, impacts, and family environment characteristics of sibling aggression and abuse.
- SAARA provides user-friendly, evidence-based information, best practices, and tools for siblings, families, and practitioners.
- SAARA offers trainings and presentations to those with lived experience, parents, families, and professionals who may encounter harmful sibling dynamics.
